Raphael James

Raphael James (born January 10, 1965) is a Nigerian archivist and the founder of Center for Research, Information Management and Media Development Museum (CRIMMD). The center archives political, media and biographical information and hosts exhibitions. James is also the founder of the largest photo museum of Nigerian history, recorded to have over 48,000 photos of the slave trades and its relics, era of European exploration of Africa, notable personalities in Nigerian history, and the Nigeria Civil War. He is the publisher of The National Biographer and the African Dame Magazines. His works include over 23 books and 56 manuscripts. He has donated 59, 122 books to schools and libraries. He runs a free public library and a free skill acquisition for women and widows. He was admitted into the Nigeria Book of Records on August 17, 2023, for running the "first private and richest Museum of Nigeria History". James has received commendation letters from former USA President Bill Clinton, Queen Elizabeth of England, and, President Barack Obama.

Early life and education
Raphael James was born on January 10, 1965 to Festus Nkume and Dorethy Uzoaru (née Udewerou). He hails from Abia State. He attended Ahuwa Community Primary School in Abia State from 1974 to 1979, obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC). He then went on to Azuiyi-Oloko Secondary School from 1980 to 1985 before being transferred to Isolo Grammar School in Lagos State for the 1985-1986 academic session to earn a West African School Certificate (WASC). He attended Exam Success College in Yaba, Lagos State from 1986 to 1988 for a Diploma Certificate in Journalism. James attended Ondo State University in Ado-Ekiti from 1987 to 1991, earning a B.Sc. Degree in Psychology. In 1993, while serving as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in his alma mater, he wrote a book, "The History of Nigerian University" and engaged in some community development projects. At the end of the one-year NYSC service, he wrote a second book, "Who's Who in Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti", both books were recommended by late Chief Moshood Abiola. He furthered his education at the Center for African Studies at California State University in Sacramento, USA in 1997 for a Certificate in Conflict Resolution, and CRIMCOTADE in Surulere, Lagos for a Diploma Certificate in Computer Desktop Publishing in 1999. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree in 2006.

Career
James was a consultant researcher at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. He also gained experience as a consultant at the Newswatch Magazine Library in Ikeja from 2006 to 2008. James was the publisher and editor in chief at The National Biographer Magazine. He founded the African Dame International Magazine. James has also served as an editorial consultant at The Transformer magazine, editor at ROYALE magazine, and contributing editor at Fortune and Class Magazine. He was appointed Managing Editor at Rendezvous Magazine in Ikeja. He also served as a Contributing Editor at African Profile Magazine in the USA and Come to Nigeria Magazine USA.

James founded the CRIMMD in 2012. The CRIMMD Library was inaugurated on December 16, 2004 by Chief Alex Akinyele JP, the former Federal Minister of Information, and Deacon Ayo Oshitelu, Chairman of Ejigbo Local Government Area. The private museum was officially opened on October 1, 2014 by Chief Alex Akinyele also.

From 1986 to 1989, he was the president of the "Anti-Smokers" group of Nigeria, during which time the group successfully campaigned for the inclusion of a health warning on all packets of cigarettes in Nigeria.

James was honored in Dubai in September 2016 by the AJALA group for his research on Mashood Olabisi Ajala. He has also been credited for unraveling the history behind the design of the Nigerian coat of arms. James urged the Oyo State Government to preserve Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther’s residence in the state for historic purposes. A similar call was made on the federal government of Nigeria to revamp the Ado Awaye hanging lake, one of the few hanging lakes in the world.

Recognitions
James is the recipient of the Kofi Annan Global Integrity Historic/Educative Tourist of the Year Award from the South Africa Integrity Media-Group (October 13, 2018); inducted into the CLUB 100 as one of the Top 100 Tourism Personalities in Nigeria (November 16, 2018); Travelers Awards for Top Tourism Promoters in 2020 and a Certificate of Nigerian Tourism Specialist from NIHOTOUR, Naija7Wonders, and AKWAABA Travel Market (March 27, 2021); "Africa's Most Outstanding History Preservation Award 2021" by Nigeria Standard Newspaper, USA (December 30, 2021); Nigeria's Leading Cultural Ambassador of the Year 2017 in Diaspora from Dallas, Texas, USA, by The Nigeria Standard Newspaper Award (October 10, 2018); the Africa Leadership Improver Award 2015 for Corporate Leadership in promoting culture, tourism, and education in Africa from the Gambia (December 19, 2015). He was a recipient of the 9jaMentors Awards for his outstanding role toward empowering the Nigerian Youth.